. hello. thank you for joining us. i'm jc hayward. president obama and g.o.p. challenger mitt romney square off tonight in the first of three presidential debates. bigad shaban reports that tonight's debate will focus on

the economy, health care and other domestic issues. >> reporter: the stage is set for the first presidential debate. mitt romney trails in many battleground state polls. this is an opportunity to him to gain some ground. >> i think you're going to see the mitt romney that really cares about putting the american people back to work. i think that's the most important goal that the governor has. >> reporter: president obama will be pressing his own plan for the economy. but today he's facing new criticism over something he said during 2007 during his speech of a predominantly black office. he implied the bush administration was with holding recovery money after hurricane katrina based on race. >> what's happening down in new orleans? where's your dollar? >> reporter: all major media outlets covered the speech at the time. >> i'm a little amazed that as you mentioned a widely covered speech, likely by people at your network is somehow caused a kerr fluffle five years later. >> reporter: as many as 50

million could watch the debate, including unemployed americans, anxious to see who has the best jobs plan. bill is trying to land work. he was let go as a truck diver last december. es -- driver last december. he's still waiting on both candidates to offer specifics. >> they're spending a lot of time and money saying we'll do this, we'll do that. we'd like to see more results. >> reporter: romney participated in 19 debates during the primary season. president obama is also a seasoned debater. bigad shaban, cbs news, denver. today republicans are also highlighting comments that vice president biden made on the campaign trail. the vice president said yesterday that the middle class has been, quote, buried for the last four years. the g.o.p. says that that is proof that the president's policies have not worked. democrats point the finger at the republican administration in power before president obama. well, tonight's debate between the president and governor romney of course is going to focus on domestic

issues. we asked on facebook which topics do you hope the candidates will address. niki wade writes how they propose changing social security. emily moon writes, the economy and job creation. and mark wrighter asks where are we paying almost $4 a gallon for gasoline. we'll be keeping track to see if the candidates address any of these issues and if what they say passes muster. this is your no bull zone. we're teaming up with "u.s.a. today" reporters to bring you just the facts in tonight's debate. it's live beginning at 9:00 p.m. on wusa9.com. we will be fact checking as we said what the candidates say. we will also live stream the debate on our website. and then you can watch 9news now at 11:00 for the most comprehensive and accurate debate coverage.

occupy protesters say they will, quote, stick it to the banks today. they're upset with banks foreclosing on homes. organizers held a protest this morning outside the bank of america located at 15th street and pennsylvania avenue northwest across the street from the white house and the treasury department. they're planning to protest several other banks later today. the board that is overseeing the construction of the multibillion dollar metrorail extension is getting four new members. yesterday the d.c. city council approved the measure allowing the metropolitan washington airports authority to add the new members. the district and maryland will each get one more seat on the board. virginia gets two. officials now believe several gunmen took part in the attack that killed a border patrol agent along the u.s.- mexican border. 30-year-old nicklaus ivy was killed in the attack and a second agent was injured

yesterday morning. authorities plan to be at the scene of the murder the next few days to collect clues and want to make an arrest in the case. >> at approximately 1:45 in the morning while responding to the sensor activation in that area which is a very active smuggling area, the three agents came under gunfire. >> yesterday's shooting is the first time an agent has been killed while on the job since the shootout occurred two years ago. that incident helped expose operation fast and furious, a botched a.t.f. gun smuggling operation. several suicide bombers launched a deadly attack in syria today killing at least 31 people. the syrian parliament condemned the blast that leveled buildings and trapped many people under the rubble. the government blamed terrorists for the bombings. ten years ago the entire washington, d.c. region spent three weeks living in fear. that time would be known as the

sniper shootings. the first deadly shooting took place on the night of october 2, 2002. a man was shot in the parking lot of a shoppers food warehouse in wheaton, maryland. at first it was investigated as a single random shooting until the next morning when four people were shot to death. the snipers would kill ten people in all and injure three others. officers eventually arrested john allen muhammad and lee boyd malvo. both were found guilty. malvo was sentenced to life in prison. muhammad was sentenced to death and he was executed in 2009. a new e-mail scam makes you believe that you're getting a message from the f.b.i., but it's really trying to steal your money. one man got a message on his computer saying the f.b.i. had blocked his computer claiming he had done something illegal online. he says he got suspicious when the message he had to make --

the message said he had to make a $200 online payment within 72 hours to gain use of his computer. then he noticed the message heading read "federal bureau investigation" and not "federal bureau of investigation." that's a small detail that someone could easily overlook. >> if i could help 10, 15, 20 people just because of awareness, then i would be doing a service to my community. >> an f.b.i. spokesperson says the bureau never asks americans for money. still to come when 9news now continues, beta blockers have offered releif to -- relief to heart patients but we're now learning the popular drug may not offer the protection that some patients need.

if you're over 50, i hope you're reading one of my favorite newspapers, the

beacon. you can get it at medical facilities and it's free. i want to tell but two dates the beacon is sponsoring. expo for those 50 and older. i fit in that category. sunday, october 7, this sunday, and then also sunday action october 14. the beacon each year, you probably know, sponsors two expos where you can get medical checkups. you can get information that you need. and of course i have with me the beacon's publisher stewart rosenthal who's in charge of it all. this is so important for people who are 50 and older to come to these expos. one in maryland. one in virginia. so we make it convenient for everyone because you can get so much important information. >> we track thousands -- attract thousands of people to the two aevents. you can get screenings, flu shots available. lots of government agencies and businesses are there with important information, services and products.

>> political commentator mark is going to be there. i'll be at both expos. i always come every year. it really is a fun time for people. and informational and educational time for them. >> that's right. because we have information for people on housing and health care and legal and financial information. even entertainment and all those kinds of things that people are looking for you get a chance to pick up information. also lots of free giveaways and door prizes. it's a lot of fun plus a live band. >> and some entertainment. if you are 50 or older or if you have a loved one who is 50 or older, you'll want to come to these two expos. this sunday it's going to be at ballston mall in virginia. on sunday, the 14th of october it's going to be at white flint mall. stuart will be there. >> noon to 4:00 both days, both locations. >> that's important, noon to 4:00. come on out. i'll be there. and we'll have lots of fun. and of course don't forget to pick up your free copy of the beacon newspaper. if you live in montgomery county, the league of women

voters has an outline that you'll want. >> 20-page voters guide. very helpful about all the different issues facing montgomery county. >> don't forget the beacon newspaper, one of my favorites. stuart's my friend. coming up next, howard has the forecast. stay with us. weeks of this campaign... and more ads. you, in your living room or... what i'd say. losing nearly eight hundred... mired in iraq. nation we are... moving forward again. get folks back to work and... again. that with even bigger... fewer regulations... prosper. on the same trickle-down... in the first place. so what's my plan? manufacturing jobs... exports... that... ship jobs overseas. in half and produce more... clean coal, natural gas... solar, and biofuels. efficiency of cars and trucks. maintain the best workforce... hundred thousand additional... training two million... they need at our community... tuition in half and... americans can afford it. reduce our deficit by... next decade, on top of the... already cut. little more. afghanistan... pay down our debt and... nation-building... right here at home. patriotism, rooted in the... begins with a strong... thriving middle class. read my plan. and decide for yourself. thanks for listening. this message.

i've been combing through the day's daily deals, e-mails and retailer websites to find you some deep discounts. on this wednesday we are maintaining your home this fall. we're going to start with a deal i personally bought.

a chimney cleaning and inspection with the fireplace doctor. the price? $79, a 62% savings. if you have a chimney, you need to maintain it or else your risks of house fires go up. you're going to find this deal on living social. next we're moving on to your h vac system. $45 for an air duct cleaning package, 566% savings -- a 66% savings. v clean offering this deal with google offers. get some help with your fall cleaning from maid to please. groupon has this deal, a two- hour home cleaning session with a team of two cleaners, $121 at 61% off. if you have an offer you've seen or you're a local merchant with a deal for our viewers, i would love to hear from you on facebook. i'm jessica doyle, 9news now. a new study is raising questions about the treatment of heart disease. beta blockers are standard care for a variety of conditions, but for some patients, the medication might not offer the

protection they need. vinita nair has that story. >> reporter: 68-year-old cheryl has struggled with heart problems for most of her life. five years ago her health was deteriorating fast. >> my heart wasn't functioning al its fullest capacity. >> reporter: she was in heart failure and suffering from an irregular heart beat. dr. suzanne steinbalm treated her. a new study is raising questions about beta blockers and whether they actually recollect the heart. >> a new trial is questioning the use of beta blockers as being protective to the heart for people who have had heart attacks, evidence of heart disease or multiple risk factors. >> reporter: beta blockers reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow for heart patients. the new study published in the journal of the american medical association said beta blockers did not lower the risk of

cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke. many patients use beta blockers after a heart attack and to treat symptoms, including high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. doctors say they need to see more research before they consider changing that practice. >> personally not change my practice as we know that beta blockers are extremely useful for patients with heart failure, patients with chest pain or angina. >> reporter: for cheryl she says the medication has made a world of difference. >> it's hard to even remember back to when i felt that bad. >> reporter: her heart function has improved. she's stronger and she worries less about her health. vinita nair for cbs news, new york. >> beta blockers do have side effects. they can affect cholesterol and also trigger asthma attacks. as cold season gets under way, researchers say do not turn to vitamin d for relief. new zealand scientists say it does not help fight colds. they followed 322 adults for more than a year.

they found no difference between the group that took vitamin d and the group that didn't. the study is published in the journal of the american medical association. god bless you. i want to say again this fabulous calendar critters for the cure, what they do. they really go beyond providing assistance and transportation, treatment for women who have cancer. they provide medical and copayments and therapies and wigs. they do so much. the calendar is $25. >> andrea roane and anita brikman along with jc are in the calendar. you get to see them with their dogs. >> if you go to jchayward.com, we have a link to critters for the cure. you can pick up this calendar. you really will be helping women who need your help. it stopped raining. >> the fog is gone. we're in much better shape for the afternoon. seeing a little sung. the clouds are starting to -- sun. the clouds are starting to

break. it's not going to be a crystal clear blue day but certainly better than the morning. it's going to be warm, too. we have areas south and east of town in the low 80s. look at the rains -- we're going to range from the mid- to upper 70s to the mid-80s south and east. winds out of the southwest, south 5 to 10 miles an hour. there could be a stray shower this afternoon. we'll be mostly cloudy tonight. so going to that nats game, last home season game before the playoffs, well, they've got -- start here at about 1:05. it will be a decent afternoon for it. the southwesterly flow continuing to bring the clouds. there's a speck of green in south central virginia. this is why we've got that stray shower possible. most of us, most of today will be fine. look at the temperatures. still 60s north and west of town where we had the fog which really lingered mid- to late morning there. hagerstown 66. on the flip side where the sun has been out, where there wasn't fog, where the air is warmer, up to 82 in cambridge and fredricksburg right now. 80 annapolis.

as we look outside on our michael & son weather camera, breaks in the cloud cover. there's some blue showing up. that's good news. the temperature right now 75. mostly cloudy skies being reported at reagan national with a south wind at 7. the humidity is up. 79%. feeling sticky. it's going to be in the 80s today, tomorrow and friday. 70 saturday. look at what's going on in the northern rockies. 40s, even some 30s for highs. first taste of winter here. we actually have wifn ter storm -- winter storm watches and advisories to minnesota right now. rain now but some snow across areas of montana. that cold air will arrive or a chunk of it later on in the weekend into early next week. off the florida coast moisture continues to stream in off the gulf of mexico. what a wet month it's been for florida streaming toward southeast georgia, south carolina. some of those clouds are coming toward us but it looks like any heavier precip, moisture will be well south and east of us. we're going to watch for the threat for a shower today.

ice lated. as we get into -- isolated. as we get into the overnight, cloudy skies. tomorrow morning notice out to the west a little more green showing up. a little more shower activity. that's going to come through in the morning. might see a second batch midday. by afternoon i think we're going to be partly to mostly sunny. back in the the low 80s. as we head toward thursday night and friday, not too much in the way of cloud cover here. so we'll be a little cooler thursday night. friday back into the low 80s with a couple of showers well west of us late friday afternoon. we'll see if it falls apart friday night but saturday with the front coming through, that's when we get another chance for a shower before we really start to cool down. today warm, 85. stray shower possible. going to be a mild and muggy night tonight. 70 in town. mid-60s in the suburbs. my ac will be humming tonight. 82 tomorrow. maybe a shower through the morning hours but i think a better afternoon. friday also 82. friday looks great. if you have a long weekend coming up, even with columbus day, stretch it out to four

days. going to be a shower saturday, 76. better chance for showers on sunday, 67. and a cool, crisp columbus day with a high in the low 60s. they may be known for steaks but we're talking about barbecue sliders, pulled pork. more when 9news now returns. krystal conwell : we see a lot of problems with the...

number of students that we have. resources. materials. things that the children need...

on a day-to-day basis. anncr: question seven will help. the department of legislative services says question seven... will mean hundreds of millions of dollars... for schools...from gaming revenues that would have... gone to other states. and independent audits will guarantee the money... goes where it's supposed to. krystal conwell: i think people should vote for question... seven because i think it will be a great benefit to children.

today i'm one on one with chef bob keegler from morton's, the steakhouse. i love steak. morton's is one of the best. they're all over northwest washington, connecticut and l. this is where my chef is if. they're in bethesda, wisconsin avenue, arlington and also georgetown. when i think of morton's, i always think of steak but today you brought pork. >> we're well known for our usda prime beef. we do do pork sometimes. when we do it, we try and do it

right and go all the way and make it good. >> it's football season. so you've brought some pork sliders. >> yeah. a couple of tailgating ideas when you tailgate, you're having a good time out there with your friends, maybe having a few drinks. >> the beer. >> right, right. make sure, you know, you follow food safety guidelines. keep your hot food hot and cold food cold and avoid cross contamination. these pork sliders are fantastic. we have a pork butt. i have one cooked here. >> this is so pretty. >> yeah. >> you called it a pork butt? >> pork shoulder, yeah. >> it's beautiful. absolutely gorgeous. just enough fat to give it flavor and so then you cook it for how long? >> we season it up. we cook it a long time, maybe 300 degrees for-- >> you have your own seasoning? >> yes, we do. we cook it for about six hours till 300 degrees till it falls apart with a fork. see how you can pull that?

that's what they call pulled pork. you pull it apart with a fork. >> that piece right there? >> it has your name on it. >> i think it's calling my fame. i love pork, too. >> the sliders are really easy to make. you take a slider roll. >> that pork is good. >> a couple slices of fresh avocado. >> then you have some salsa. >> yes. >> you just pull it with a fork. >> you just shred it up. that's why it has to be cooked to a long time in a slow oven. >> what temperature? >> 300 degrees for about six hours. a little pico degalo on there. that's good stuff. >> it is. you're handing it to me for a reason. you want me to test it? >> yes, i do. >> i'll test it.

mm, mm, mm. i love you. >> good for the skins or the nationals. good stuff for tailgating. >> it's good stuff. morton's, the steakhouse. excuse my full mouth. come back and visit us at 5:00. oh, chef.